Compare daily satellite energy generation with bus and payload demand. Enter beginning-of-life solar-array output, effective sunlight, conversion efficiency, eclipse duration, and loads to see whether the design closes its daily energy budget and how much array power would be needed at the stated operating profile.
Generation = array output × sunlight × efficiency. Demand = bus load × 24 + payload load × payload duty. Balance = generation − demand. Break-even array output = demand ÷ (sunlight × efficiency).
Treat the main result as an engineering estimate based on the stated inputs. Compare it with the applicable mission requirement and retain enough traceability to update the result when assumptions change.
This calculator supports early trade studies and does not replace mission-specific simulation, environmental analysis, or professional engineering review.
A 900 W array with 14.5 effective sun-hours at 82% efficiency generates 10,701 Wh/day. A 300 W bus and 450 W payload for 5 hours demand 9,450 Wh/day, leaving 1,251 Wh/day.
It uses the values shown in the input panel and the formula stated on this page. It does not add hidden operational or environmental allowances.
Yes. Decimal values are accepted within each field’s displayed range, and calculations retain precision until the result is formatted.
Use a value justified by your project’s maturity, uncertainty policy, and verification plan rather than treating the default as a universal recommendation.
No. It is a first-pass estimate for trade studies. Verify the design with subsystem models, test data, and mission-specific constraints.
Zero is accepted where it represents a physically meaningful absence of load, loss, background, duty, or maneuver demand. Inputs used as divisors must remain above zero.
| Item | Use |
|---|---|
| Primary inputs | Enter values in the units printed beside each field. |
| Margin or reserve | Applied only where stated in the formula. |
| Displayed result | Rounded for readability; internal math keeps full precision. |